One decision and a few telling comments have brought the Yankees roster plans into focus.

Who’s in
The Yankees have until tomorrow, after the exhibition against the Nationals, to make a decision on Lyle Overbay, but it’s clear that the team is planning to carry him as the regular first baseman. Are there any other options for the position? “Not right now, no,” Joe Girardi admitted.

Girardi said Overbay would likely play only against right-handers. Kevin Youkilis will probably play first and Jayson Nix will play third against lefties.

It also seems the Ben Francisco and Brennan Boesch will make the team as reserve outfielders. Francisco could also DH against lefties. Those two spots aren’t set in stone, but Francisco and Boesch do seem to have the inside track. “That’s a good educated guess,” Brian Cashman said.

Who’s out
Juan Rivera has been released. He was the clear front runner for a roster spot, but Girardi said things changed with the additions of Francisco and Overbay. Because of Rivera’s contract, the Yankees couldn’t wait any longer. “We had to make a decision on Juan today,” Cashman said. “And we just did.”

Ronnier Mustelier is also out of the running. Yesterday’s knee soreness is a bone bruise that dates back to that collision with a railing here at George M. Steinbrenner Field. The Yankees aren’t sure how long Mustelier will be out, but he won’t travel north with the team and will instead stay behind in Tampa. Girardi indicated that Mustelier wasn’t likely to make the team anyway.

To be decided
The last two spots on the pitching staff are still a bit unknown. Boone Logan is fine after being hit by a comebacker, but the Yankees still have to fill the spots that were supposed to go to Phil Hughes and Clay Rapada. Those decisions will likely wait until Sunday when the Yankees have to submit their Opening Day roster.

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Cashman stressed that he’s still shopping around, looking for potential upgrades and other options. For the time being, though, it seems that this is the Yankees plan: